PAT METHENY GROUP: THE WAY UP

Stunning is the best word that I can think of to describe THE WAY UP. Absolutely Stunning. Right from the get-go this album tells you why its one of the best pieces of progressive jazz ever recorded. The main melody could be one of my favorite moments in all music. That melody alone is worth buying this record. The structure here is amazing...it's classical in a sense and yet the musicians are still in an improvisational setting. Pat's sense of dynamics and melody are just wonderful. Lots of great instrumentation on this album. An interesting touch is the harmonica which gives it a very folky feel. The execution on this album is flawless.There are a few videos of the band playing this live and it's jaw dropping. This is a piece of music that takes a while to absorb. Repeated listens are necessary to truly realize the magnificence of this album. THE WAY UP is a masterpiece of progressive music and one of the greatest works of modern jazz.